UMPI plans blood drive
PRESQUE ISLE — The American Red Cross and the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Residence Life Office are teaming up to pull off the college’s fifth Super Blood Drive this summer — the time of year when the need for blood increases.
The Super Blood Drive will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 25, in the Gentile Hall Gymnasium. The event is being sponsored by the University, UMPI’s Phi Eta Sigma National Honor Society and Pizza Hut, and co-sponsored by Pat’s Pizza, Big Cheese Pizza, Country Farm’s Market and Walmart.
Each year, the UMPI Residence Life Office helps the Red Cross coordinate three blood drives on campus: one in the summer, one in the fall and one in the spring. Since 1987, 4,051 pints of blood have been collected at UMPI. According to the American Red Cross, the need for blood increases during the summer months. The reasons are two-fold: people are more active during the summer and thus are more likely to receive injuries that require blood, and the amount of donations decreases during the summer due to people being busy.
Everyone is encouraged to help save lives at one of the largest American Red Cross blood drives in Aroostook County. Call 800-GIVE LIFE [1-800-448-3543] or log onto www.newenglandblood.org and type ‘04769’ in the Zip code field to make your life-saving appointment today. The goal of the Super Blood Drive is to collect at least 300 pints.
Volunteers are needed for the following tasks: 9-11:30 a.m. — set up tables and chairs prior to the blood drive; 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. — escort donors to the canteen and work the canteen; 5:30-8 p.m. — take down tables and chairs.
For more information about this event, call 768-9585.
